Abu Dawood 3846, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1858, Sahih Muslim 2017
Arabic Text
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَعَلَى بَرَكَةِ اللَّهِ • الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَجَعَلَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Transliteration
Before: Bismillahi wa 'ala barakatillah • If forgotten: Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu • After: Al-hamdu lillahi-lladhi at'amana wa saqana wa ja'alana minal-muslimeen
English Translation
Before eating: "In the name of Allah and with the blessings of Allah." • If forgotten at the start: "In the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end." • After eating: "All praise belongs to Allah Who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims."
Source Reference
Abu Dawood 3846, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1858, Sahih Muslim 2017
When & How to Recite
Recite softly before taking the first bite with your right hand. Recite the praise after putting down your utensils.
Meaning, Context & Benefits
When a Muslim mentions the name of Allah over food, Satan is blocked from consuming or stealing the blessings of the meal. Saying Alhamdulillah afterwards secures Allah's pleasure, as the Prophet ﷺ taught: "Allah is pleased with His servant who praises Him when eating a morsel or drinking a sip."
Virtues & Benefits
- Prevents Satan from partaking in your family's sustenance and nutrition
- Infuses Barakah (spiritual abundance) into even small portions of food
- Earns Allah's direct pleasure and writes abundant rewards of gratitude